04/30/2008 Print Version
For many people battling devastating illnesses, a
donated organ is the only chance for recovery.
One person's decision to become an organ donor can save the lives of
eight people, and donating tissue can dramatically improve the lives of fifty
people. While the death of a loved one
brings sorrow and grief, organ donation can offer hope and a new beginning for
others.
Nearly 100,000 patients across the nation are waiting
for organ donations, and about 20 percent are here in California.
Unfortunately, almost a third will lose their battle and pass away
before they can receive a transplant. In
2005, I signed Senate Bill 689, which requires the Department of Motor Vehicles
to record all donor information in the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue
Donor Registry and print a designation on the driver's licenses of donors. These simple changes have helped to
streamline and simplify organ donation in our state, while holding the
potential to save tremendous numbers of lives.
This month, we celebrate California's 3 millionth organ donor
registrant. I encourage everyone to
consider becoming organ donors, and to make your family and loved ones aware of
your wishes. To learn more about organ
donations and to read inspiring stories of those who have been given a second
chance, please visit www.donatelifecalifornia.org. Together, we can bring awareness to this
important issue and donate the most precious gift of all - life.
NOW,
THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 2008,
as "DMV/Donate Life Month."
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 30th day of April 2008.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California
ATTEST:
DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State
